Definitions and types
Safran (1991) listed dispersal, collective memory, partial acceptance in host societies, an ideal of return and continuing homeland ties. Cohen (1997) distinguished victim, labour, trade, imperial and cultural diasporas.
Expanding the concept
Clifford (1994) emphasised routes and connections, and Vertovec (1997) identified three meanings. These link to transnationalism and cultural diffusion. Brubaker (2005) criticised conceptual stretching and proposed treating diaspora as a stance or claim.
Politics and policy
Shain and Barth (2003) showed diasporas can shape homeland foreign policy, and Gamlen (2014) analysed state diaspora institutions. Diasporas' position in host societies connects to multiculturalism and segmented assimilation.
FAQ
- What is a diaspora in simple terms?
- A group scattered across countries that keeps a shared identity and memory of home.
- Is every migrant group a diaspora?
- It depends on the scholar, and some criticise overly broad use.
Sources reviewed: 2026-10-26
References
- Safran, W. (1991). Diasporas in modern societies: Myths of homeland and return. Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies, 1(1), 83–99. Early criteria for defining diaspora.
- Clifford, J. (1994). Diasporas. Cultural Anthropology, 9(3), 302–338. An anthropological rethinking.
- Cohen, R. (1997). Global diasporas: An introduction. UCL Press. A typology of diasporas.
- Vertovec, S. (1997). Three meanings of "diaspora," exemplified among South Asian religions. Diaspora: A Journal of Transnational Studies, 6(3), 277–299. Three meanings of diaspora.
- Shain, Y., & Barth, A. (2003). Diasporas and international relations theory. International Organization, 57(3), 449–479. Diasporas in international relations.
- Brubaker, R. (2005). The 'diaspora' diaspora. Ethnic and Racial Studies, 28(1), 1–19. Critiques conceptual stretching.
- Gamlen, A. (2014). Diaspora institutions and diaspora governance. International Migration Review, 48(S1), S180–S217. States' diaspora institutions.